Hurdling hero Jackson helps children on track to fitness

Pupils from three primary schools ran a two-kilometre course and became the latest to join an effort which organisers hope will involve more than a million children by the end of July.

The Great School Run is sponsored by supermarket giant Tesco, and yesterday’s event took place at Barnsley Academy in the Kendray area of the town.

Children from the town’s West Meadows, Edmunds and Bank End primary schools all took part and many of them were joined by their parents in the run, which was also raising money for charity.

Jackson said: “Today is all about getting children involved in exercise, talking about healthy eating and having fun along the way.

“The Great School Run is a great way to get children active. It’s fantastic to be involved and to see so many children from the area getting so excited about the event.”

Children taking part were asked to raise sponsorship for the charity Mary’s Meals, which sets up school feeding projects in some of the world’s poorest countries.

Julie Brown, a teacher at West Meadows primary school, said: “We are delighted to take part in the Great School Run. The event has really captured the children’s imagination, highlighting the importance of exercise and healthy eating.

“The children have been raring to go and it has been a great experience for everyone involved.”

The event was also supported by governing body England Athletics, and its chief executive Chris Jones said it was essential to get children interested in running early for them to reap the benefits.

He added: “During 2012 the importance of taking athletics to young people up and down the country is an important part of ensuring lasting participation.

“England Athletics is proud of its continued alliance with the Great School Run and we are delighted to endorse an initiative that extends coverage of this great sport of running to the masses, particularly in their formative years.”

Schools can still arrange their own runs with the support of the Great School Run team. For more information see www.greatschoolrun.com